Gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal are ...

[Frost2351]

Gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal are ordered for an unconscious patient who has been admitted to the emergency department (ED) after ingesting 30 lorazepam (Ativan) tablets. Which action should the nurse plan to do first?
 
  a. Insert a large-bore orogastric tube.
  b. Assist with intubation of the patient.
  c. Prepare a 60-mL syringe with saline.
  d. Give first dose of activated charcoal.

Question 2

The emergency department (ED) triage nurse is assessing four victims involved in a motor vehicle collision. Which patient has the highest priority for treatment?
 
  a. A patient with no pedal pulses.
  b. A patient with an open femur fracture.
  c. A patient with bleeding facial lacerations.
  d. A patient with paradoxic chest movements.

[Dunkey]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
In an unresponsive patient, intubation is done before gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration to prevent aspiration. The other actions will be implemented after intubation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Most immediate deaths from trauma occur because of problems with ventilation, so the patient with paradoxic chest movements should be treated first. Face and head fractures can obstruct the airway, but the patient with facial injuries only has lacerations. The other two patients also need rapid intervention but do not have airway or breathing problems.